[Honeyman]

Have just changed from a GM900 to a 9000 CSE 2.3 LPT which seems to be running pretty well for 145K miles. Am used to autoboxes on Saabs (this is my third), but slightly worried about this one. Running gently at about 40 mph, the box can't quite decide what gear it wants to be in and switches between 3rd and 4th (or is that 2nd and 3rd). Am used to autoboxes letting you coast to a standstill, dropping all revs when you take your foot of the pedal - but this one likes to downshift as the car slows. Not really a problem in how it behaves - just wondered if anyone has this on their car, knows that this is normal - or can tell me that I have a problem in waiting... Had a look at all the threads on this site, but couldn't find one similar - apologies if I am repeating someone somewhere else. Thanks in advance!

 

[StephenA]

The 3/4th gear change is approx 40mph (I think the "official" figure is 43mph)

Steve

 

[slidejules]

Honeyman, if I understand you correctly, mine does the same thing. On coasting from say 50 to 20, mine changes down from 4th to 3rd at something like 35. It's a smooth gearchange but the greater engine braking effect in 3rd compared to 4th makes it feel like you've hit the brakes somewhat. Took me a while to get used to at first and sometimes (approaching traffic lights etc) if you're not on the brakes it can take the car behind you by surprise. That said, it'll teach them for tailgating I suppose, but it doesn't make for particularly smooth motoring. Btw mine has been like that since I got it with 135ish K miles on the clock, now on 173 and going fine, have had fluid changed twice.

 

[Honeyman]

Glad to hear it sounds normal - just not used to it, and was afraid it was something going wrong...

 

[K9SAAB]

same car, same thing. had mine a couple of years now and it still feels wierd when it happens.
but the thing thats annoying me most happens in slow moving traffic (around25/30) when it "feels" like your in the wrong gear. as soon as i accelerate it sounds like the wrong gear has been selected just for a few seconds then the engine catches up and alls well. in every other way the box feels fine. have taken to selecting 2nd manually when crawling along. it just seems that i have to virtually stop before the box shifts down enough gears to match the speed. .any thoughts welcomed

 

[Paul D]

I'm not an autobox expert, but have a 2LPT with autobox. There is extremely little braking effect on most (including mine) autobox cars compared to a manual gearbox, which is why front disks wear out much faster on most autos.

I am wondering if the actuator springs may be due for a replacement if braking effect is harsh, caused by early gearchanges when decelerating?!

 

[mikeduffy42]

Hi I have a MY94 2ltr lpt cse with autobox. If you read the handbook, saab indicate that on bendy roads etc keep it in 3rd and in town etc in 2nd. Now that tells you that there is a design prob with the zf autobox. First try a bottle of lubegard. Next try replacing the vaulve seals (like piston rings). Parts only cost about £20 -but autobox specialists charge about £200 for some reason. There is a link from saab9000.com with diagrams to do it yourself -although, I have tried to email zf for parts availability and have never received a reply.

 

[StephenA]

Originally posted by mikeduffy42:
[qb]Parts only cost about £20 -but autobox specialists charge about £200 for some reason.
[/qb][/b]

I suspect they charge a lot because accessing the valves, govenor seals etc seems to involve removing the wheel, hub, driveshaft, and the end of the gear box. Taking that off and putting it back on is going to take a few hours.

Steve

 

[Togg]

Like Paul D's, there is hardly any obvious engine braking effect on my '96 CDE LPT 2.0 Auto when coasting to a halt. I can barely hear any change in engine note or 'feel' any slowing down as the result of changes.

Perhaps, at only 86000 miles, it's not properly run in yet, but I would actually welcome some more 'evidence' that the box is changing down.

 

[StephenA]

Originally posted by Togg:
[qb]Perhaps, at only 86000 miles, it's not properly run in yet, but I would actually welcome some more 'evidence' that the box is changing down. [/qb][/b]

I dont notice it at 123K either- the only real way is to watch the Revs.

Steve

 

[James.r]

I am glad you have all noticed the same thing. I my 2.3 lpt and my 2.0 fpt and they both react differently. The 2.3 Lpt doese seem to not want to change down a gear at low speeds unlike the 2.0 fpt. I have thought about geting the kikdown cable adjusted next time the car is on the ramp. But reeding this it would now seem as if there is no problem.

 

[saab tyro]

My own interest is more in the upchange characteristics; I, too, have a 2.3 CSE LPT and I find, in 40 mph limits (being a law-abiding citizen) travelling at an indicated 40 is slightly too slow for the box to change up to 4th and the better fuel-economy that the higher gear yields.

My technique to overcome this is to run briefly up to an indicated 42/43 then back off the accelerator, which allows the box to change up while at the same time slowing me to the legal limit. With delicate use of the right foot it's then possible to nurse fourth gear down to about an indicated 36/37 without it dropping back into 3rd. All a bit anal I know, but it keeps me happy.

 

[Honeyman]

I guess, from what I am reading, that this is normal. I find it a bit disturbing as I am a fairly lazy driver (how things change when you go from manual to auto) and like to just potter along. Spent half an hour on the M25 this morning at 40 and I lost count of the number of gear changes that my 9000 Kangaroo went through, which nearly made me spill coffee... If there is a way of making the gearbox more lazy in terms of downshift/kickdown, does anyone know it? I have no particular need for high acceleration, speed or anything else remotely schumacher-esque - I just want an easy life (hence I drive Saabs....) Wonderfully helpful this site I have to say!

 

[anarkietown]

I have a 9000 autobox as well... Here's what I do: When I'm driving around in the city (or otherwise relatively slow traffic), I just keep the gear selector in 3, rather than D. When I get out onto the highway or open road, I'll shift into D again. I find this really cuts down on all the unnecessary gear-changing.

Most of all, enjoy your 9000!

 

[K9SAAB]

thanks to everyone whose answers seem to confirm that the box on an 2.3lpt is almost an auto...apart from when crawling in traffic

.sticking it manually in 2nd or 3rd does get over the problem but its the first auto ive owned that i have needed to do this. only good news is if this is a regular feature at least theres nothing that needs attention,.....yet.